Time and Tide: Stephen Brookbank’s Legacy

As you may know, we (Natalie Goulet and Vanessa Iafolla) are curating a photographic exhibition of Stephen Brookbank’s work to honour his memory, his artistry, and his contributions to our community. With the support and permission of his family, an exhibition of his work titled Time and Tide, will take place at the Anna Leonowens Gallery from November 4 to November 9, 2024.

Stephen passed away in May 2024, and we are reaching out on behalf of the NSCAD University photography community, where Stephen Brookbank was not just a technician but a mentor, friend, and an integral part of our lives. Stephen's presence in the Photography Department at NSCAD was a source of inspiration for countless students, staff, and faculty members. Stephen was not only a skilled photographer and printer, but also a phenomenal storyteller, mentor, and friend. He had an incredible ability to make the ordinary extraordinary through his patient lens, and he dedicated so much time to helping students grow as artists. He was generous with his knowledge and dedicated to his craft. This exhibition showcases some of his most recent work.

We need your help:

While NSCAD has graciously accepted to cover most of the material expenses for this exhibition, there are still many other costs involved, including labour, storage, and compensation for the many people dedicating their time and expertise to this project. We are hopeful that this memorial exhibition will open doors to a larger show of Stephen’s work in other galleries, expanding the reach of his legacy and talent.

This exhibition is run by students and volunteers from NSCAD. We would be grateful for your help to raise funds to cover these additional costs. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward:

- An honorarium for the dedicated framers working on this project

- Storage and handling of Stephen’s works

- Other logistical expenses for the exhibition

- Meals for student volunteers

- Additional refreshments and catering for the post-opening celebration of life at the Former Art Bar (6 - 8pm November 4, 2024)

If you cannot contribute financially, we would love your support in other ways. Join us at the opening reception on November 4, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, or share a message for Stephen’s family and friends.

Additional ways to contribute:

If you have the means and wish to honor Stephen further, please consider making a donation to the QEII Health Sciences Foundation, the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, and/or any animal shelter. Alternatively, in Stephen’s memory, pet a dog or cat with a smile on your face, listen to some music you love, or make a photograph—something that would have surely brought him joy.

Thank you for helping us celebrate Stephen's life, art, and the impact he left on our community.